2. (Bot.) Thin and rather soft or pliable, as the leaves of the rose,
peach tree, and aspen poplar.
Mem"brane (?), n. [F., fr. L. membrana the skin that covers the
separate members of the body, fr. L. membrum. See Member.] (Anat.) A
thin layer or fold of tissue, usually supported by a fibrous network,
serving to cover or line some part or organ, and often secreting or
absorbing certain fluids.
The term is also often applied to the thin, expanded parts, of various
texture, both in animals and vegetables.
Adventitious membrane, a membrane connecting parts not usually
connected, or of a different texture from the ordinary connection; as,
the membrane of a cicatrix. -- Jacob's membrane. See under Retina. --
Mucous membranes (Anat.), the membranes lining passages and cavities
which communicate with the exterior, as well as ducts and receptacles
of secretion, and habitually secreting mucus. -- Schneiderian membrane.
(Anat.) See Schneiderian. -- Serous membranes (Anat.) , the membranes,
like the peritoneum and pleura, which line, or lie in, cavities having
no obvious outlet, and secrete a serous fluid.
Mem*bra"ne*ous (?), a. [L. membraneus of parchment.] See Membranous.
Mem`bra*nif"er*ous (?), a. [Membrane + -ferous.] Having or producing
membranes.
Mem*bra"ni*form (?), a. [Membrane + -form: cf. F. membraniforme.]
Having the form of a membrane or of parchment.
Mem`bra*nol"o*gy (?), n. [Membrane + -logy.] The science which treats
of membranes.